Development gives us a wide variety of ideas which derives us into concepts. In choosing a development-oriented topic, one must identify what constituted underdevelopment, and what it lacks that hinders it from a progressive state.
Nur Lemuel Castillo, Batch 2015 emphasized three factors that should be taken into account when identifying a development oriented topic.
A topic is development-oriented if in promotes any of the 4 Es of Devcom
Empowerment. Nourishing problem-solving and decision making skills, raising social and political consciousness, and mobilizing people towards critical action.
Equity. Access to information and technology and hastening the redistribution of resources to the poor through communication.
Entrepreneurship. Promoting entrepreneurial spirit and communicating strategic information for agro-industrialization.
Environmentalism. Managing and sustaining the environment through information, education, advocacy, social mobilization, and community action.
A topic is development-oriented if it deals with stories of marginalized communities
It must give opportunities to the communities that are lacking when it comes to economic status, social well-being and technological advancement.
A topic is development-oriented if it tackles socio-economic issues involving community
Socio-economic issues are the primary factors that establish one’s community progress and if it gives emphasis on how a governing must have bottom-up communication, we can say it is a development-oriented topic.
Months ago, I was scared of being left behind the class because of my so-so writing skills. But now that the semester has finally come to an end, I believe that my qualities and skills have improved already.
Here is the re-evaluation of my qualities and skills as a media writer:
The writing activities inside and outside DevCom have contributed in the improvement of my qualities. Though the lectures, activities, and writing exercises, I was able to realize the importance of enhancing these qualities so that the quality of my works would upgrade as well.
Writing clearly and effectively is one of the skills I have improved a lot. Our exercises in DEVC11 required us to have this skill and I’m glad that I was able to hone it over time.
Through our news writing exercise, I was able to gain more knowledge in organizing information. I know that its only a basic skill, but I really had difficulties in identifying what information is more important and what’s not.
The skill I have improved the most is gathering data. It improved a lot during our data gathering exercise. Because of that exercise, I learned to maximize my time and effort in gathering data so that I wouldn’t be wasting more time in the future processes.
My weaknesses back then are now turned into strengths. I believe that these qualities and skills are still improvable and yet to be stretched to their full potential.
The semester is almost done. Finally, a few more days from now and we’ll be able to go on our respective homes and spend time with our family and friends. Indeed, time flies so fast here in the university.
Looking back, I didn’t expect that I will be able to finish my first semester here in UPLB with fulfillment and contentment in my heart. However, I also realized that there are a lot of things that I should’ve done from the very beginning. Things that may help me to have a more meaningful semester. In this regard, let me share you these five little things that I regret not doing from the very first start.
1. Spend my money wisely.
Reflecting on my expenses here for the last five months, I came to a realization that I really am an impulsive buyer sometimes. I realized that at some point I waste my allowance for buying these things which are not really necessary.
2. Use my time wisely rather than procrastinating.
Procrastination, that’s really my biggest enemy. I tend to ignore all my workloads and whatnots most of the time. And when the deadline is fast approaching, that’s only the time that I’m going to do it. As a result, a cram quality output.
3. Attend different events in the university.
Numerous events were held in the university during the first semester, almost all of it were really a big addition to everyone’s knowledge and awareness. However, I had no chance to attend it all. A big part of me is regretting up until now because I wasted a lot of chances to improve my understanding on different societal issues and concerns.
4. Speak up especially in lecture classes.
I want to speak, I really am. I want to share my insights, I want to participate in class discussions however I always have this thought that what if my answer is wrong, what if my understanding is completely the opposite.
5. Go out and make more friends.
Friends are really essential, that’s what I realized during my first months here. As much as possible, I really want to have a lot of friends because I know they are the ones who’ll help me all throughout my college life. However, I am this awkward person who find it hard to start a simple conversation. Hopefully, next semester, I can overcome it all.
And that’s it. Those are the things that I, Pamela, should have done before. Although I did not do those things right away, I will do my best to do it on the next semester. Laban, Pam! Laban, mga kapwa ko iskolar! One semester down, more semesters to go!
Life in UP will never be easy. It was not just a “speed lang” situation where you can be instantly gratified with unos. Settling with a new life here in elbi didn’t just happen overnight, I know. And having a new person to live with for the next four years of your life is a tough decision.
It was surreal, it was unexpected. It was something you’ve wanted, but actually didn’t look forward to. You may not say it, but you have always known in your heart, that you are an Iska. No matter how much you struggle, no matter how much you felt that the institution does not favor your ways, you deserve to be here. You deserve to get pass through the difficulties and prove yourself that your desires are purposive, for the people and for the country.
Dear, the trauma of past years might have damaged your core of empathy. But you are barred with strong hopes, and deep understanding, and soon enough, it will be easier for you to get back on track. The people will be different, there is a new environment to ponder on, there are wider array of venue to know yourself more. Make this as an opportunity to see the depth of life, to swim in the foreign seas.
You will be thrilled with the professors, you will get tired pursuing their standards, but most of all, you will learn to hold still with all the right reasons to give up.
You will be challenged to endure the sleepless nights, to eat excessively and gain stress weights, consume facts and overloaded information, but you will gradually find the balance of everything.
I know time will be your number one conflict but never forget to treat yourself with a deserving amount of reward, and make moments to enjoy with your new found friends. Live in your moment, while living through your future’s dreams.
Be the flower that you are, a rose that blossoms, with a mind that grows. Have fun, and bloom with vivid colors.
To welcome the spirit of Christmas with color and excitement, the University of the Philippines Los Baños staged Pasko sa Elbi: Isang Pasasalamat, an annual lighting ceremony, last November 19, 2019with the theme Paskuhan sa Barrio.
The theme aims to honor the Filipino farmers by using the materials engaged in agriculture such as hay as the primary decoration for the large Christmas tree, the Christmas village, and the depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. Other ornaments include wooden statues of reindeer, Mary, Joseph, Jesus in a manger, shepherds, three wise men, and some farm animals. Colorful Christmas lanterns and lights also glazed the charisma of the picturesque.
The program proper started at 6 P.M. with praiseworthy performances by award-winning UPLB Choral Ensemble, followed by an opening remark from Dr. Antonio Jesus Quilloy of the College of Economics and Management. To give more entertainment, the UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company and UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe presented a contrasting modern and folk choreography respectively. The event was graced by Chancellor Fernando C. Sanchez Jr. and his family, the university vice-chancellors, and a number of faculty members, and staff.
Aside from UPLB students, residents and visitors from the surrounding communities flocked into the area to witness the lighting ceremony.
Nur Lemuel Castillo, a Development Communication graduating student has been attending Paskong Elbi for the last five years. According to him, the varying designs of the Christmas tree and Christmas village every year are what they anticipate the most. “Nung first year kame, medyo white Christmas yung design that year, as the years go by nag-iiba rin yung theme.” This year there are no Santa Claus displays around which he thinks is unusual but signifies a more welcoming vibe for non-Catholics as a non-sectarian university.
Pasko sa Elbi has also become a traditional family affair yearly. Reyes family, an avid watcher of Paskong Elbi enjoys the vividness of the whole lighting ceremony. “Nakaka-satisfy, kelangan ma-video namin ‘yun [lighting ceremony]. Mas masaya yung dati, pero naging mas creative naman sila ngayon.”
On the other hand, Chancellor Sanchez accentuated the importance of retaining the Christmas culture especially to the younger generation. “I believe nawawala na yung Christmas spirit na Filipino style.” He also added, “Katulad sa inyong mga millennial, baka iba na ‘yung concept nyo ng pasko.Eh ngayon, pinapakita namin kung anong pasko ‘yung nararanasan namin nung kabataan namin. I want to share it with you so you can share it with your future children.”
Furthermore, Chancellor Sanchez describes happiness as the main point of Pasko sa Elbi regardless of the varying themes and designs.
The Office of the Chancellor and the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA) intend to make Pasko sa UPLB as realistic and as lively as possible to highlight the sense of community denoting the context of social values and fellowship among residents.
Pasko sa Elbi started way back in 2006 and has become a tradition that signifies the beginning of the Christmas season and a culmination of the first semester in UPLB. It is a collaborative effort wherein UPLB community works together to produce a channel of unity and entertainment.
As I go back to my home in Calamba, I was surprised to see a lot of people inside the house. When I got inside, I saw my relatives having a good time. My mother acknowledged my presence, “This is my daughter, Uan. She’s studying in UPLB.” You can clearly see the pride in her face. One of my relatives asked me, “Anong course mo?” “Development Communication po,” I replied. But then she asked, “Ano yun?”
An infomercial about the questions asked to a Development Communicator in training. Having a course that is not that familiar to most people, does it affect you?
That is one of the many questions so often asked by students in the College of Development Communication, most especially by those who are new to the field of DevCom. To help shed some light on this, we asked DevCom upperclassman Amiel D. Oropesa to share her top three insights.
Amiel D. Oropesa is a Batch 2015 student at the UPLB College of Development Communication. She is perhaps best known for her career as a professional photographer under the brand #ShootMeAmy – recent events covered include Metanoia 2019, CineLaban 2019, and Aboitiz Foundation’s APRI Youth Development Summit. For bookings, media partnerships, or inquiries, you may contact her at adoropesa@up.edu.ph. You can also like her Facebook page at Amiel Oropesa Photography.
Our group #TeamBa was assigned to get the community directory of Barangay Malinta, in order to accomplish that, us three visited the Barangay Hall last September 2019. It was my first to visit a Los Banos community with my group mates. It was a roughly 30-minutes travel time from the campus to the barangay. We rode the jeepney going to Bayan and to get to the Barangay Hall, we rode the tricycle.
Upon arriving, the Barangay Hall staff were accommodating to us three. They were willing to provide the information that we asked for (such as the directory). The data gathering method that we used was interview. We personally talked to the clerk on our agenda and respectfully asked for the information that we need. They even provided a hard copy of the information for us. Overall, it was a very nice encounter and interaction with the staff of Barangay Malinta. They also asked for a photocopy of our IDs for privacy purposes, which I think is professional because the information that we requested is confidential, and even if it is for public use there is still a need to follow a proper process.
As a group, we concluded that these are the tips that we find helpful when doing community directory activities in the future:
1. Just Relax – Panicking and stressing yourself out would not do you any good. Just breathe and remember the reason why you chose DevCom and how can we be an influence for others.
2. Be Confident – Having a lot of confidence is a plus in DevCom. We will be future development communicators and we should uphold our duties as early as we can.
3. Stand for truth – Always remember to only share and inform facts that are true and correct. We should see to it that we aim for excellence and all of our actions would fall back to what DevCom has taught us.
The community directory of Barangay Malinta, in details:
Barangay Heads
Hon. Rolando L. Erroba – Barangay Head Ms. Jevarie L. Amoranto – Barangay Secretary Ms. Adelaida P. Banahisam – Barangay Treasurer Ms. Princess Dhea Mariano – SK Secretary Mr. Edmund Lloyd Velasco – SK Treasurer Hon. Jeffrey B. Alcachupas – Infrastructure Hon. Carmen J. Jumaiwd – Health and Education Hon. Jesus H. De Una Jr. – Peace and Order Hon. Benito A. Ebron – Environmental Protection Hon. Gaudencio D. Mariano – Livelihood and Cooperative Development Hon. Genaro G. Calderon – Appropriations, Ways, and Means Hon. Beny S. Moralde – Women and Family
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Heads
SK Chairman – Rakan Legaspi Sports and Development/SK Councilor – Jeffrey Bonita SK Councilor – Angelica Pascual SK Councilor – Maria Belle Bienes SK Councilor – Jerick Warde SK Councilor – Sherwin Alvarez SK Councilor – Ma. Pauline Duya SK Councilor – John Paul Manaligod
Contact Person/s
Ms. Glaiza Apple C. Subiaga (Clerk) Contact no.: (049) 557-2443
He starts off his day with a plate of corned beef and rice. Every mouthful is held by a silver spoon. He chews silently, staring on the bookshelf directly in front of him. It’s a cramped apartment, but where else were you going to put his parents’ research references? He doesn’t mind, though; he’s used to the sight. There is no fear nor anxiousness in his breath, as he calmly recalls how the past months – years, even – have led up to this day. He freshens up and puts on his favorite shirt: a buttoned-down, green and black shirt that he bought in Indonesia (where, he admits, he won an international research award). He chooses brown slacks to go with it, then his lone (but trusty) pair of rubber shoes. Shortly after, his father drives him to the testing venue in Diliman. The father looks on with joy as his second (and youngest) son heads off to try out for college. But the boy runs back, hugs him, and returns his course.
The boy breezes through the exam with just the right amount of effort. Not too much, but not too little. Products of his attention in class, the voices in his head narrate the questions that he reads. Language Proficiency is read by his review school tutors. Science is read by the high school teachers who guided him along the way. For Math, it’s his own voice replaying, back from the days of his intense problem-solving. And for Reading Comprehension, a team of various narrators who have deemed a heightened consciousness necessary for the final struggle.
“I’d like to be the director of IRRI (the International Rice Research Institute) one day,” he muses. “The food production sector goes largely unnoticed, and my heart beats the strongest for it.” Bertrand, soon to be a graduate of the Philippine Science High School, reflects on his senior high school as an agriculture specialist. “I recognize how privileged I am for my education, and I want to give back by helping the marginalized.”
How the boy thinks is very similar to how I think, but the paths we he and I have taken differ greatly. Still, it’s an honor to have met this global nationalist in the making, and I couldn’t have been prouder to call him my brother.
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